Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbbeef chuck roast$12.58
• 1 tbspolive oil$0.18
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.06
• 1.5 tspdried oregano$0.17
• 1 tspdried basil$0.07
• 4 cupbeef broth$1.78
• 4 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.48
• 4 eachcrusty Italian rolls$2.66
• 1 cupjarred giardiniera$1.07
• Total for 5 servings$19.07

Most of the cost is beef chuck roast ($12.58) and crusty italian rolls ($2.66). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $14.43. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the beef chuck roast evenly on all sides with the kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano and dried basil.
2. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop for 2 minutes, then sear the roast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
3. Pour the beef broth around the meat, stir in the minced garlic and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, about 3 minutes.
4. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight lid, transfer to an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C), and roast for 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes until the meat is fork-tender.
5. Transfer the beef to a cutting board, let rest for 15 minutes, and then slice it paper-thin across the grain.
6. Return the sliced beef to the warm juices in the Dutch oven and simmer gently over low heat for 5 minutes so the beef absorbs the seasoned jus.
7. Slice the crusty Italian rolls lengthwise, heap with warm beef, spoon generous ladles of cooking jus over the meat and bread, and garnish each sandwich with 1/4 cup of the jarred giardiniera.